Strategic design and self-healing by using modified PVC-Cu(II) complex

Advanced functional polymers have attracted significant interest in science and technology. However, microstructural damage and variations in chemical composition are often introduced during manufacturing and use, leading to degradation or even loss of functionality. To address these issues, self-healing functional polymeric materials have been developed to autonomously restore non-structural functions, thereby extending service life and durability. Recent work has emphasized such materials with capability of independently recover function without external repair. Unlike structural self-healing systems that prioritize strength restoration, functional self-healing targets recovery of specific properties. In modern polymers and hydrogels, temperature, pH, and light commonly act as external stimuli to trigger recovery. Biomimetic self-healing systems may also rely on chemical or mechanical interactions to repair critical cracks and restore functional performance. At the molecular level, 𝜋 − 𝜋 interactions, metal-ligand coordination, and hydrogen bonding are frequently exploited to reinforce weakened regions. These capabilities have driven demand across materials science and engineering. Moreover, they were used in biomedical fields such as localized drug delivery, skin grafting, implantation, dentistry, and bone and tissue regeneration. Self-healing polymers can regenerate damaged surfaces and often show favorable biocompatibility, faster healing, and improved tensile strength, supporting use in medical devices and other applications. As an example, a modified poly (vinyl chloride)/Cu(II) (PVC/Cu(II)) film were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and optical microscopy.